Sunscreen Options During Topical Steroid Withdrawal
- Jennifer Powers
- Nov 15, 2022
- 6 min read
Here are some community recommendations for healthy and clean sunscreen options that may be good for your skin during TSW.
**disclaimer - always do your own research on products to try, and always patch test a small area before using all over! What works for one will not work for another!
(so damn frustrating, I know, but truth for anything in life)
Suffering through Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome is bad enough, but how about the mental anguish and serious PTSD that comes from attempting to put anything on our skin?? We are all just looking for any way to get through this nightmare and feel better mentally and physically by any means possible.
Going on vacation (or 'going on holiday' - I said that in my best British accent) is one of the things that has always gotten me excited and filled me up with joy! I loveeee to travel, especially anywhere tropical and warm! But, ever since going through TSW, I have some anxiety and fear around travel.
During New Years Even 2021-22 I was lucky enough to have earned an all expense paid trip (thanks to my wellness business partnership) to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! 😍 couldn't wait to be in the sun, sand and pool paradise... however, I had just started my TSW journey just one month prior. I experienced zingers on the plane, my skin was swollen, red and insanely itchy. I slept with water bottles on my neck, towels wrapped around me, and just suffered a ton. So... it wasn't exactly the luxurious relaxing trip I had hoped for. On top of that... I was so scared of being in that blazing sun because I was terrified my skin would react to sunscreens, so I was in and out of the sun, got a little sun burnt which I'm sure didn't help any, and just stressed over my sun safety on TOP of everything else going on.
In my searches, and plenty of conversations with TSW warriors, I have decided to compile a list of sunscreens that MAY be ok for you to try and use if you find yourself headed on vacation in the sun!
Please note... many people swear by these sunscreens, but there are also plenty of others who do not feel that wearing sunscreen during TSW is helpful at all. At the bottom of this post I will share the concerns some others have on using sunscreen as well as some alternatives to sunscreen when it comes to sun safety for our skin.
Before I share these recommended sunscreen options with you, please note, you should ALWAYS do your own research, know what's good for YOU and your body, and, always patch test a small area of your skin before applying any product liberally all over.
Badger Sunscreens
SAFE, GENTLE MINERAL SUNSCREEN: This pediatrician-tested sunscreen uses zinc oxide, the safest active ingredient available for effective broad-spectrum protection. ItÕs tested hypoallergenic, gluten free, and gentle on even the most sensitive skin.
EFFECTIVE PROTECTION: Our SPF 40 broad spectrum sunscreen protects from harmful UVA/UVB rays and offers 40 minutes of water resistance, providing protection you can trust for your baby or toddler.
CLEAN AND ORGANIC: This GMO-free sunscreen is made with just seven simple, 98% organic ingredients you can feel good about putting on your babyÕs skinÑincluding soothing chamomile and calendula.
NOURISHES SKIN: Naturally rich in antioxidants, the moisturizing all-organic base of sunflower oil, jojoba, and beeswax leaves delicate skin nourished and protected.
REEF FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE: Badger sunscreens are always made without oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemicals shown to harm coral reefs or marine life. This reef-friendly sunscreen is certified cruelty free, packaged in a 50% PCR tube, and made with clean solar power.
Aveeno
3-Fluid Ounce travel-sized tube of Aveeno Protect + hydrate sunscreen Broad Spectrum body lotion SPF 30 to help protect and provide all-day hydration to skin
Made with nourishing prebiotic oat, this lightweight daily sunscreen helps leave skin feeling soft and moisturized all day as it combats sun induced free radicals that accelerate skin-aging
With a refreshing and weightless formula and a non-greasy feel, the invisible sunscreen lotion also provides broad spectrum SPF 30 protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays
This hypoallergenic sunscreen is paraben-free, phthalate-free, oil-free, Oxybenzone-free, dye-free and is water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it great to use during Outdoor activities
From a Dermatologist-recommended brand for over 65 years, Aveeno Protect + hydrate sunscreen helps prevent sunburn And decreases the risk of skin cancer and Early aging caused by the sun when used as directed with other sun protection measures
Child's Farm Sun Cream
Childs Farm sun cream protects young and sensitive skin from UVA and UVB rays , whilst keeping skin moisturised and hydrated
Paediatrician and Dermatologist tested and approved
Suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin
Suitable from 6 months upwards
Water resistant
Neutrogena Sensitive Skin
1.4-fluid ounce bottle of Neutrogena Liquid Face Mineral Sunscreen for sensitive skin with SPF 50 to protect your skin from sun's harmful rays
Formulated with Purescreen Technology, which features a blend of 100% naturally sourced sunscreen active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, to provide Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection
Perfect for sensitive skin & featuring a non-comedogenic formula, this lightweight mineral sunscreen is also hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, oil-free, PABA-free, and free of other irritating chemical ingredients
Designed for the face, the liquid sunscreen formula spreads easily over skin and absorbs quickly for a weightless feel and finish. Can be used alone or under makeup
The ultra-light liquid formula is made specifically for sensitive skin and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. From the #1 trusted suncare brand by dermatologists, it helps protect skin during outdoor activities like biking, hiking or taking a walk
Vanicream
Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ provides broad spectrum protection using non-nano zinc oxide. It is water resistant (80 minutes), non-comedogenic and dermatologist tested.
Dye-free
Fragrance-free
Lanolin-free
Paraben-free
Formaldehyde Releaser Free
Gluten-free
Surf Mud SPF 50
NATURAL SUNSCREEN Non-Nano Zinc Oxide non-chemical extra-strong SPF 50 protection against UVA and UVB light rays. Includes a nourishing blend of all-natural organic ingredients loaded with antioxidants and fatty acids that keep your skin protected, deeply hydrated, and nourished for improved skin tone & elasticity, keeping your skin young & healthy with a sun kissed glow.
REEF & OCEAN SAFE Our natural non-chemical sunscreen is Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free two chemicals that are harmful to corals and can cause coral bleaching. You are not only treating your skin to the best possible care but making an investment that our earth desperately needs.
WATER-RESISTANT Beeswax creates a natural barrier that helps seal moisture into the skin, making the product water repellent. A smooth consistency This protective balm glides on with a smooth consistency that won't sting or burn your eyes will stay on for the entirety of your outdoor activities, either in the ocean surfing or on the slopes.
HOW TO USE Apply sleek sustainable convenient stick directly onto the face it slides on with a chocolate-scented finish that ensures long-lasting protection. Blend using your fingertips. Ingredients are safe for adults and kids and families.
PURE & NATURAL Made with simple, 100% natural, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and chemical-free ingredients, our products, and packaging are painstakingly selected with purity, luxury, and sustainability in mind. EiR NYC a premium natural skincare line for men & women
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk is a velvety & fast-absorbing sunscreen lotion leaves skin hydrated & smooth. This award winning sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 100 protection. Water resistant (80 minutes). Recommended for: Face & body, all skin types. Suitable for adults and children 3+ years old.
Key Ingredients: Cell-Ox Shield Technology (provides broad spectrum UVA/ UVB Protection + Antioxidants)
Dermatologist Tested for Safety*
Allergy Tested*
Oil-Free/Non-Comedogenic*
Suitable for Sun Sensitive Skin*
Paraben Free*
Fragrance Free*
Oxybenzone Free*
Octinoxate Free*
Community Tips & Concerns with Sunscreen During TSW
The following are some tips & concerns that others in our TSW community have expressed regarding the use of sunscreen during our healing journey.
Tips:
Use a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) instead of a chemical one sunscreen.
Chemical sunscreens have toxic ingredients that are may be unsafe for you and the environment.
Always look for fragrance-free options!
Be sure to use a non-nano sunscreen. It means the particles are bigger than nano size and much less likely to be absorbed into your skin, taking the chemicals on your body and in your environment with it.
Make sure you look at the ingredients! This is important especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.
* if you are looking for another alternative to sunscreen that may protect you from any harmful rays of the sun, a community shared favorite is taking coconut oil and mixing it with zinc powder.
Concerns:
Use a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) instead of a chemical one sunscreen.
Chemical sunscreens have toxic ingredients that are may be unsafe for you and the environment.
Be sure to use a non-nano sunscreen. It means the particles are bigger than nano size and much less likely to be absorbed into your skin, taking the chemicals on your body and in your environment with it.
Make sure you look at the ingredients! This is important especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Was this post helpful? I'd love to hear from you!
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PS - Going on vacation to help with your mental state, clarity and overall wellness? Take a listen to Episode 42 of the TSW Journey To Healing Podcast to learn how you can take back home all the benefits of vacation with you!
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